EMPIRE OF THE SUN (1987) (Blu-Ray Book) June 19, 2012 Warner Bros

Based on J. G. Ballard's autobiographical novel, tells the story of a
boy, James Graham, whose privileged life is upturned by the Japanese
invasion of Shanghai, December 8, 1941. Separated from his parents, he
is eventually captured, and taken to Soo Chow confinement camp, next to a
captured Chinese airfield. Amidst the sickness and food shortages in
the camp, Jim attempts to reconstruct his former life, all the while
bringing spirit and dignity to those around him.

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Roundly dismissed as one of Steven Spielberg's least successful
efforts, this very underrated film poignantly follows the World War II
adventures of young Jim (a brilliant Christian Bale), caught in the
throes of the fall of China. What if you once had everything and lost it
all in an afternoon? What if you were only 12? Bale's transformation,
from pampered British ruling-class child to an imprisoned, desperate,
nearly feral boy, is nothing short of stunning. Also stunning are
exceptional sets, cinematography, and music
(the last courtesy of John Williams) that enhance author J.G.
Ballard's and screenwriter Tom Stoppard's depiction of another, less
familiar casualty of war.

In a time when competitors were releasing "comedic," derivative coming-of-age films, Empire of the Sun stands out as an epic in the classic David Lean sense--despite confusion or perceived competition with the equally excellent The Last Emperor
(also released in 1987, and also a coming-of-age in a similar setting).
It is also a remarkable testament to, yes, the human spirit. And
despite its disappointing box-office returns, Empire of the Sun
helped to further establish Spielberg as more than a commercial director
and set the standard, tone, and look for future efforts Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan. --N.F. Mendoza

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